Michael Jackson
A tribute page for legendary artist Michael Jackson, the "King of Pop".
Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American singer, songwriter, and dancer. Dubbed the "King of Pop", he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century and one of the greatest entertainers in the history of music. Through stage and video performances, he popularized complicated dance techniques such as the moonwalk, to which he gave the name. His sound and style have influenced artists of various genres. Jackson's contributions to music, dance, and fashion, along with his publicized personal life, made him a global figure in popular culture for over four decades.
Timeline (1958-2009)
Aug 29 1958
Michael Jackson Born
Michael Joseph Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana (an industrial suburb of Chicago, Illinois) to a working-class family on August 29, 1958.
1969
The Jackson Five debut
In August 1969, shortly before Michael turned 11, the Jackson 5 opened for Diana Ross at the L.A. Forum, and in December, they issued their debut album, Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5. On October 7, 1969, the Jackson 5 released their first single, "I Want You Back," a Corporation composition that had originally been intended for Gladys Knight. It was an instant smash, hitting number one on both the pop and R&B charts.
1972
Michael Jackson's first solo hit
"Ben" becomes the number-one hit song recorded by the teenaged Michael Jackson for the Motown label in 1972.
1974
Michael Jackson introduces "The Robot"
In 1974, during a performance on "Soul Train," Jackson introduced a dance called the robot, made of moves that were mimicked on dance floors across the country.
1978
Michael Jackson plays "The Scarecrow"
Michael Jackson plays "The Scarecrow" in the movie "The Wiz" alongside Diana Ross, Richard Pryor and Nipsey Russell.
1979
"Off the Wall"
Off the Wall is the fifth studio album by pop musician Michael Jackson, released August 10, 1979 on Epic Records.
Nov 30 1982
Michael Jackson Releases "Thriller"
Thriller is the sixth studio album by American recording artist Michael Jackson.
Jan 2 1983
"Billie Jean"
"Billie Jean" is a dance-pop R&B song by late American recording artist Michael Jackson.
Feb 14 1983
"Beat It"
"Beat It" is a song by American recording artist Michael Jackson. It was written by Jackson and co-produced by Quincy Jones for the singer's sixth solo album, Thriller (1982).
Mar 25 1983
"The Moonwalk"
The moonwalk or backslide is a dance technique that presents the illusion that the dancer is stepping forward while actually moving backward, giving the appearance of a person moving along a conveyor belt.
Feb 10 1993
Oprah Winfrey interviews Michael Jackson
Jackson gave a 90-minute interview with Oprah Winfrey in February 1993, his first television interview since 1979.
May 26 1994
Michael Jackson marries Lisa Marie Presley
Jan 18 1996
Lisa Marie Presley divorces Michael Jackson.
Nov 15 1996
Michael Jackson marries Debbie Rowe
Jul 17 2007
"Thriller" - Prisoners Perform at CPDRC in Cebu, Philippines
Jun 25 2009 2:18PM
Michael Jackson Rushed to Hospital in Cardiac Arrest
Pop star Michael Jackson has been taken to UCLA Medical Center by ambulance suffering from cardiac arrest, fire officials confirm
Jun 25 2009 3:09PM
Michael Jackson Dies at 50
Michael Jackson, whose quintessentially American tale of celebrity and excess took him from musical boy wonder to global pop superstar to sad figure haunted by lawsuits, paparazzi and failed plastic surgery, was pronounced dead on Thursday afternoon at U.C.L.A. Medical Center after arriving in a coma, a city official said. Mr. Jackson was 50, having spent 40 of those years in the public eye he loved.
Jul 1 2009
Michael Jackson Tops Charts and Breaks Records Again After Death
As soon as the news of Michael Jackson’s death began to spread last Thursday afternoon, radio programmers around the country cued up his songs, and fans rushed to retail and online outlets to buy his music in quantities that broke records on Billboard’s sales charts.
Jul 7 2009
Public Memorial Held for Michael Jackson at Staples Center in Los Angeles
Michael Jackson's public memorial started out more spiritual than spectacular Tuesday, opening with a church choir singing as his golden casket was laid in front of the stage and a shaft of light evoking a cross as Lionel Richie gave a gospel-infused performance.
“In a world filled with hate, we must still dare to hope. In a world filled with anger, we must still dare to comfort. In a world filled with despair, we must still dare to dream. And in a world filled with distrust, we must still dare to believe.”
– Michael Jackson